Maker/Retailer Biography

Ault Pottery

Dates: Founded 1887

See items in our stock by Ault Pottery

William Ault, former partner of Henry Tooth at the Bretby Pottery, founded the Ault Pottery at Swadlincote in Derbyshire in direct competition with the Linthorpe Art Pottery.  In 1889, when Linthorpe closed down after John Harrison's death, the potteries moulds were sold at public auction and a number were acquired for the Ault firm.  We know that works produced from these moulds, which included designs by Christopher Dresser, were produced by the company at least until after Dresser's death in 1904.  In 1893 Dresser had signed a contract with the firm to supply designs in which he specified that all works produced to his design should bear his facsimile signature.  At this late stage of his career he produced some remarkable new shapes, notably the 'Goat's Head', 'Tongue' and 'Face' vases, with brilliantly coloured glazes.